On January 5, the 24 meter long fuel barge Mekunu ran aground on a reef off Kaafu Atoll, Maldives. The cause of the grounding was not reported, but the vessel sustained minimal damage and no pollution was released. The Mekunu remained aground until January 7 when it was refloated by the Maldives Coast Guard. No reports of injuries.
On January 6, a vessel ran aground off the coast of Umm Al Quwain, United Arab Emirates. The vessel was blown ashore by high winds and strong waves. Local authorities report that all 10 crew on board the vessel was safely rescued and there were no injuries. Reports state the area around the vessel was secured and oil pollution containment was in place. The name of the vessel was not reported.
The 426 gt oil tanker Fazilat ran aground on the Karnafuli River at Chattogram, Bangladesh. The Fazilat had dropped anchor on the river earlier due the dense fog which reduced visibility to near zero. The anchor dragged and became stuck on a rock causing the tanker to go aground off a rocky embankment. The tanker remained stuck with the falling tide. Authorities were alerted and dispatched the tug Kandari 1 to the scene. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Reports state the tanker will be refloated on the rising tide and towed to a safer location.